Fakhar Zaman found the perfect time to post a maiden ODI hundred and lay the platform for Pakistan’s imposing 4-338 against India in the Champions Trophy final at The Oval.
Sent in to bat by India captain Virat Kohli, Pakistan’s opening pair Fakhar (114) and Azhar Ali (59) put together their second consecutive century stand, motoring to 128 in 23 overs before Azhar was disastrously run-out.
Fakhar capitalised on a huge piece of fortune early in proceedings – he was caught from a Jasprit Bumrah no-ball when on three – but rode his luck to pummel the Indian attack to all parts.
It was a third consecutive score of 50-plus for the left-hander, who didn’t feature in Pakistan’s tournament opener against India but has been a revelation at the top of the order since.
India turned to spin early in an attempt to stem the run-rate, with Ravi Ashwin (0-70) introduced in the seventh over, however he and Ravindra Jadeja (0-67 from eight) were dealt with savagely as an inspired Pakistan refused to take a backward step.
Babar Azam kept the run-rate ticking along with 46 from 52, before Mohammad Hafeez (57no) took control in the final overs, smashing a crucial half-century from just 34 balls and finding great support in Imad Wasim (25no).
-Agencies
